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Eagles in frantic meetings to qualify for World Cup — Bello-Osagie

Super Eagles co-ordinator, Sumonu Bello-Osagie called from his United States of America base with a message to Nigerians.

Super Eagles co-ordinator, Sumonu Bello-Osagie called from his United States of America base with a message to Nigerians.

“The Eagles will land in Germany. Nigeria’s flag will be hoisted amongst others in the World Cup in 2006", the Big Bello said sounding more like one of later day Pastors. Bello-Osagie is not unmindful of the precarious position of the Super Eagles who are on the same 15 points with Angola but trail on the head-to-head rule.

The Angolans pipped Nigeria in Luanda and secured a 1-1 draw to be on the drivers seat for the World Cup race.

“There is a surging enthusiasm among the players. They have realised the position and are determined to do anything to see that they qualify for the World Cup”, Bello bellowed on the phone. And why would the players who bear part of the blame for playing truancy in some of the matches by staying away suddenly want Nigeria to go to the World Cup?”, I asked the man who understands the players like siamese twins.

“Not so many people know that the players want to go to the World Cup more than the ordinary fans who shout their voices hoarse. There is a renewed vigour and they are making frantic telephone calls to each other to take a decision on some things that will help Nigeria qualify”.

Though he did not mention the plans of the players, he said that Skipper Austin Jay Jay Okocha was in the vanguard of the “Nigeria must go the World Cup campaign by the players. The huge co-ordinator also advised Nigerians not to cry over split milk regarding the rejection of the job to coach the Eagles by Frenchman, Philippe Troussier. “Honestly I feel that Augustine Eguavoen, Samson Siasia and Daniel Amokachi can deliver. All we need do is to give them all the necessary leverage to deliver”.